Important Grievance Update; Leaving LTOs by Mutual Consent; EI Hours and Pensionable Days; Win One of Five $100 Gift Cards: Where is the Reflection Form Survey? Merrymount Donations

ACTION  REQUIRED 

Provincial ETFO wants to engage with members who couldn't attend their in-person "Listening Tour" so they will be hosting all-member telephone town hall meetings.  The meeting for ETFO Thames Valley members will is Tuesday, December 3rd from 6PM - 7PM. Save the date and stay tuned for further details from Provincial ETFO.

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Q. Can I resign from my part-time LTO to take a full time LTO position?  A. To maintain continuity in the classroom, TVDSB will release an LTO to take a permanent position but not to take another (better) long-term assignment. A member may leave their current assignment after providing 2 weeks notice per Article L5.07(c). They must leave behind all assessment data etc., and they can apply for another LTO to begin after that end date. 

Q. What does TVDSB report as the number of hours worked? A. For purposes of Employment Insurance (EI), the Board reports a full day of teaching as 8 hours per Article L7.07. Part-time assignments are pro-rated accordingly. N.B., Participation in paid PD also  counts as time worked for these purposes.

Q. How many days does the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) require for it to be counted as a pensionable year of teaching? A. OTPP credits any year with more than 10 days of teaching, as a year for pension purposes. N.B., Participation in paid PD also  counts as time worked for these purposes.

Q. How can I register for the Edvantage discounts? A. The Edvantage discount website https://www.edvantage.ca/ will ask for your ETFO ID number which you can request by phone from the Provincial Office at 1-888-838-3836 or by emailing memberrecords@etfo.org .

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As the Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre website states: Merrymount exists to help children and families as they navigate through and beyond crisis, to build stronger, healthier families. Each year, the TVOT Local collects donations at our Fall General Meeting for this organization that serves the children in need in this region. 

This year Merrymount's Wish List includes:

- assorted sizes of running shoes

- small Lego sets and small science kits

- sports balls (basketballs, soccer balls etc.)

- digital camera

- nail polish kits, small jewellery kits

- bath bomb kits and bath toys

- small kinetic sand kits

- twin size bed in a bag sets

- gift cards for outings with the children such as: Cineplex; Adventures on Wonderland; Storybook Gardens; Palasad; Flying Squirrel etc. 

- Walmart gift cards

- craft kits, art kits, paint and paint supplies

- transformers  or plasma cars

- planetarium star projectors

- scooters and helmets

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We are really looking forward to meeting you at Stoneridge next Thursday!

The food is great and you could 

win one of 5 gift cards of $100 so register soon!

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ETFO members are encouraged to register at members.etfo.ca to receive content from the Provincial ETFO Office which includes member alerts, classroom resources and more. Register now at https://members.etfo.ca/ with your Provincial ETFO ID number, available from: memberrecords@etfo.org

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All ETFO TVOT members are eligible to attend ETFO Provincial Workshops such as - 

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December 1, 2024

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PD days and LTOs,:Reflection Forms; Bereavement or Compassionate Leave; Absent EAs; TVOT Fall Gen Mtg; Cuts to school funding

 

Q. If I am in an assignment that is evolving to LTO status, does a PD re-start the count to 10 days?

A. No it does not because Article L20.02 provides that a PD day does not interrupt the count / continuity towards a LTO.

Q. I am in a part-time LTO assignment. What do I do on PD Days?

A. The expectation is that you are to participate up to your FTE, in the PD being offered that day, for which you will be paid grid rate. 

Q. Where do I find the Reflection Forms to complete after participating in a Paid PD event?

A. Reflection Forms are now called "Surveys" and they are found in Bright Space after signing in at this link https://stafflearninghub.tvdsb.ca/d2l/home Terri Manning in Staff Development: t.manning@tvdsb.ca / 519-452-2000 Ext. 20506 can assist members having difficulties.

Q. Can I be re-assigned to do the work of an absent EA?

A. If you have accepted a non-classroom assignment, you could be re-assigned to a room with such an absence, however you would do the duties of an additional Teacher in the class, and not the duties of an EA as we do not take on the work of another bargaining unit, nor are we trained for those duties. 

Q. I received an email from the Ontario College of Teachers, telling me I would be suspended if I do not complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP) by July 2, 2025. Is this so?

A. Unfortunately, Provincial ETFO advises us that pending approval of a Ministerial regulation, OCT will have the authority to suspend members who do not comply with the July 2025 deadline.

Q. I am in a LTO and need to take time off because of a death in the family. What are my options?

A. In this case, the Collective Agreement has two provisions for LTOs, however they must be used appropiately:

1) BEREAVEMENT – Up to three days due to the death of a member of the immediate family: specifically parent, sibling, spouse or partner, child, parent-in-law, child-in-law, sibling-in-law, legal guardian, grandchild, grandparent, step-parent, step-child, step-grandparent or person who has acted in a parental capacity in lieu of the natural parent.  (Article L10.05)

2) COMPASSIONATE LEAVE - One day per school year to attend the funeral of a friend or family member not included in Article L10.05 or for compassionate reasons due to an emergency situation. (Article L10.07)

How have government cuts to education hurt your school?

Click on https://www.buildingbetterschools.ca/ to find out!

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November 24, 2024

November webinar registration now open

OTF is pleased to announce our newest series of excellent OTF Connects webinars. This year’s lineup, entitled Pushing our Learning Forward, will focus on strengthening our understanding of racism, special education, Indigenous education and curriculum expectations.
 
Over the coming weeks and months, OTF’s newest series of webinars will feature tips and tools to support you on your teaching and learning journey, across divisions and subject areas.

Our easy-to-use webinar platform provides you with free, effective professional learning accessible–from a distance–across multiple types of devices. You will leave each session with strategies and tools you can transfer to your own learning context. Registration for each webinar is limited, so sign up early to avoid disappointment.
 

November

An Introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI): How does it work and how might it impact my work as a teacher?
Doesn’t it feel like artificial intelligence is making headlines everywhere, sparking both excitement and concern? Have you ever wondered what Generative AI (GenAI) truly is and how it creates text, images, and music? What are some of the implications of GenAI in our teaching and for our students’ learning? Join our webinar to explore these questions and deepen your understanding of this remarkable technology. We’ll discuss how GenAI ‘learns’ and some important considerations that can help us better appreciate its potential and implications, both in the classroom and in society more generally. 

About your host
Moses Velasco, B.Sc, BEd 
OTF Director, Curriculum & Assessment  
Moses Velasco is an experienced presenter and is noted for his strong facilitation and communication skills. He has presented on a variety of educational topics such as teacher leadership and professional learning, equity, collective efficacy, early learning, and K-12 STEM education. Prior to his current role at OTF, Moses was the Director of Learning Programs at the Ontario Science Centre, where he led the development and delivery of school programs, logistic and resource support to public and school programs, and the Centre’s community engagement initiatives and volunteers.

Register
Date: November 26, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Re-assignment of Daily OTs; TVARRIS job numbers; LTOs in NTIP; Offence Declaration and Employment Status Reminder; Save the Date

 

• Being a member of ETFO means you never have to stand alone, your TVOT Local is here to support you and to advocate for you. Contact us with questions or concerns at 519-641-3936 or by email at mail@etfotvot.com .
• Article L16.07 states that a daily OT who accepts a non-classroom job can be re-assigned if there is a vacant classroom position at the school. However, this same article provides that in all other cases, TVOT members are guaranteed of the job they accept and can only be re-assigned by mutual agreement.
• If you are pre-booked, make sure the Teacher you are replacing enters you into TVARRIS so that the system does not seek a replacement. It is the person who shows up with a TVARRIS job number who will be paid.
• Protect your reputation and notify the host if you cannot attend a PD event for which you are registered. Circumstances change, however the Board and the Union notice those who register then habitually do not show up. Let us know - it's the professional thing to do and others want to participate.
• Provincial ETFO has a series of podcasts on issues of interest to members. For example, Dr. Alan Corbiere who holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous History of North America and is a visiting fellow at Harvard University and a professor of History at York University, speaks on the history of wampum from an Anishnaabek perspective at:  https://sites.libsyn.com/400088/dr-alan-corbiere-on-the-history-and-meaning-of-wampum-from-an-anishnaabek-perspective

• LTOs who are participating in NTIP, do not participate in the Teacher Performance Appraisal elements of the program, submitting long-range plans, observations etc., as these requirements are only for permanent Teachers.
• ETFO Provincial is conducting focus group research so note that you could receive a phone call from Viewpoints.
• This is your reminder to those who were hired before May 16th, 2024 who had not completed their offence declaration, please do so immediately.  You will know if you hadn't completed it by checking your TVDSB Outlook email where you would have received communications on September 4th and November 4th from a system-email. This email will also give you instruction on HOW to complete it if you are unsure. 

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TVOT Fall General Meeting

December 5, 2024

Stoneridge Inn

 Burtwistle Lane in London

$15 gas money to those who register and attend

Free Festive dinner
Several door prizes of $100 each
Registration coming soon!

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Retirement, will, and estate planning

Creating a valid will can be an uncomfortable and confusing process. But you’re not alone in feeling it’s difficult to make a will. According to a 2019 study commissioned by Willful, over 57% of Canadians don’t have a will. So, to help you get started this Make a Will Month, we’ve answered some questions you may have about legal wills in Ontario and what you’ll need to consider when making yours. Life can be unpredictable, but having a will ensures the unexpected doesn’t leave your loved ones unprepared.

Read more at https://bit.ly/4efKcCd. #OTIPUpdate

Insurance built for all members of the education community. Get personalized service, exclusive discounts on car and home insurance, and a $20 gift card of your choice when you get a quote. Get a quote online or call 1-888-892-4935 and mention this offer.

Mark your calendars! Friday November 15th, 2024 is Wear Purple Day. 

Wearing purple is a quick and easy way to support our efforts in ending violence against women and girls. We have Shine the Light hoodies, T-shirts and more to purchase if you need to add more purple to your wardrobe. Post pictures of yourself, family, friends and colleagues’ wearing purple on Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) and use the hashtag #ShineTheLight2024.  Remember to tag us at @endwomanabuse

Anti-Bullying Week November 11 -15, 2024

Anti-Bullying Week 2024 is an annual nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about bullying, its impact on individuals, and the importance of preventing bullying in schools, communities, and online spaces. Individuals are encouraged to take action against bullying and to foster a culture of respect and support, where bullying is not tolerated, and every person is valued. 

Here are ways to get involved:

• Raise Awareness: Promote awareness about bullying through social media, school assemblies, and community events.
• Wear Pink: Encourage people to wear pink clothing on Pink Shirt Day (a day within Anti-Bullying Week) to symbolize their stand against bullying.
• Educate and Inform: Provide resources and educational materials about bullying prevention to schools, parents, and students.
• Support Victims: Offer support to those who have experienced bullying, including counselling and guidance.
• Organize Anti-Bullying Activities: Plan and participate in anti-bullying workshops, discussions, and art projects in schools and communities.
• Speak Out: Encourage individuals to speak out against bullying and report incidents to appropriate authorities.

When sharing your messages and discussions about Anti-Bullying Week 2024 on social media, consider using these relevant hashtagsand join the global movement against bullying. 

• #AntiBullyingWeek
• #ChooseKindness
• #StopBullying
• #BullyingPrevention
• #BeKind
• #InclusionMatters
• #StandUpToBullying

TVDSB Employee Assistance Program; Union Representation; Daily Assignments Greater than a half-day; Bereavement Leave; Provincial ETFO Sessions;

 

There are still some spaces for TVOT members to attend upcoming Professional Development sessions and be paid for their participation:

- "Making Sense of Measurement - The Metric System" is being hosted by the TVOT Local on Thursday evening, November 14th at the Lamplighter Inn with a free dinner provided.

- The Board has spaces in 3 afternoon sessions being held on the Friday, November 15th PA Day: "Building Vocabulary to Build Literacy"; "Critical Analysis in the Elementary Music Class"; "Self Regulation Across the Four Frames". 

The Conference / Session registration section of the TVDSB Employee Portal conference provides registration for all synchronous OTE PD sessions. Please note, to be paid, a reflection survey is required for PD session you attend - the reflection survey is located in the BrightSpace Classroom.

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All TVOT Occasional Teachers have confidential access to the TVDSB Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) / the Telus Employee Health Employee Family Assistance Program.

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Article L2.03 - The Board recognizes the right of the Union to represent a member at the member’s request at any meeting with the member. The Board or school/work site Administrator shall notify the member of their right to representation from the Occasional Teachers’ Local. The Union shall be present at any meeting that may result in discipline.

Article L7.03 - Remuneration paid to Occasional Teachers will be pro-rated for assignments to positions on less than a full-time basis, but in no circumstances will a Short-Term Occasional Teacher be paid for less than one-half (1/2) day. For the purposes of this article, one hundred and fifty (150) minutes equal one-half (1/2) day.

Article L10.05 BEREAVEMENT LEAVE  FOR LTOs  – Up to three (3) days will be granted in the case of the death of a member of the immediate family of a Long-Term Occasional Teacher. When used herein, immediate family shall include parent, sibling, spouse or partner, child, parent-in-law, child-in-law, sibling-in-law, legal guardian, grandchild, grandparent, step-parent, step-child, step-grandparent or person who has acted in a parental capacity in lieu of the natural parent. Notwithstanding the above, the leave may be extended by a maximum of two (2) days due to exceptional circumstances subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Human Resources or designate.

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3 Ways to Celebrate Financial Literacy Month

Welcome to Financial Literacy Month!

Talking about money can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. This November, we’re embracing the theme “Money on your Mind. Talk about it!” to help break the stigma around financial conversations.

Whether you’re dealing with personal debt, budgeting for the future, or just curious about how to make your money work harder, Educators Financial Group can support you every step of the way.

Here are three ways you can learn with Educators Financial Group this Financial Literacy Month:

 

1.     Fast-track your financial literacy by signing up for a free 5-day mini course. In this 5-part email series, you’ll learn how to manage your debt, build a successful financial plan, maximize your money through tax-saving strategies, and more. Plus, when you sign up during Financial Literacy Month, you’ll automatically be entered to win 1 of 5 $50 gift cards.

2.     Get your questions answered by an Educators Financial Advisor. Book a call with an Educators Financial Advisor to discuss your finances and create a plan that works for you.

3.     Attend a new lineup of webinars:

o    Financial Planning in your Early and Mid Career on Nov 12, 5:00pm – 6:15pm

o    Investing - Empowering You to Make the Right Choices on Nov 18, 7:00pm – 8:15pm

o    Financial Empowerment - Securing Your Legacy on Nov 26, 4:30pm – 5:45pm

 

Ready to take control of your finances? Book a call with an Educators Financial Advisor and get personalized advice tailored to your needs. Let’s talk about money!